Namibia Family Safari Ideas

If your family are seasoned and adventurous travellers, the desert country of Namibia offers loads of variety - from climbing the highest sand dunes in the world to top class game-viewing in Etosha, adrenalin thrills in Swakopmund and hauntingly beautiful landscapes like no other…

When people think of Family Safaris, Namibia is perhaps not the first country that springs to mind, mainly because of the long distances involved. But if your family are seasoned and adventurous travellers, then a Namibia family safari holiday should definitely be on your short list!

As with South Africa, the great thing about a Namibia family safari is that its not just about the wildlife. This desert country offers loads of variety for kids from climbing some of the highest sand dunes in the world to clambering over rocks looking at ancient Bushmen rock engravings at Twyfelfontein to exploring the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop near Luderitz.

The scenery in Namibia is quite unlike anywhere else in the world and there’s excellent game-viewing in Etosha and Damaraland, with the chance of seeing desert-adapted elephants and rhino.

On the coast near Swakopmund, there are some great adventure excursions for older children and their parents alike. How about kayaking on Walvis lagoon with the seals and pelicans, heading out on an ocean safari in search of whales or taking the amazing Living Desert tour in the Namib desert or an exhilarating quad bike ride on the sand dunes?

So what sort of family would enjoy Namibia?

The Namibians really enjoy hosting families so it’s a very family-friendly destination. Most safari lodges and guest farms welcome children and they usually have gardens where kids can let off steam after a long drive. You can choose between taking a self-drive trip or touring with one of our private guides. This frees you from the driving and navigation duties! The traditional Namibia guest farms, such as Dabis or the Elegant Farmstead, offer a relaxing way for your children to learn about farming in such a remote area. Usually there are nature drives and farm tours often on offer.

We don’t have a specific Namibia family safari on offer but many of our sample holidays are perfect for families and can be adapted to suit your family. Our Namibia in Focus private tour is perfect for a guided option…

What sort of families would enjoy Namibia?

Families who are keen to experience a completely different way of life

Kids are good at travelling (can cope with several hours in a car)

Who don’t need constant internet, facebook or TV access

Kids with inquisitive minds

Who wouldn’t enjoy Namibia?

Children who are not good on long car journeys (as a 4+ hour journey is common)

Children who like to be entertained rather than to explore

Younger children (given the distances to be travelled)

Tips for Namibia Family Safaris

1) It’s a tricky one to achieve but try to cut the number, and increase the length, of stays. Rather than trying to see most of the country staying two nights at each place, opt for three night stays. Accept that you may not see everything (but you can always come again to see what you missed!)

2) If you have the budget …. consider using some charter flights. Mix up a self-drive itinerary (or a private driver) with charter flights. This is especially good if you start with driving and then turn to flying. This will cut down on long car journeys and allows you to experience the vast magic of Namibia from the air. But its not cheap… You could do the north by road and then drop the rental car and fly into the Namib Desert and then fly back to Windhoek…

3) Involve your kids in the planning process so that they know what Namibia is like.

Malaria in Namibia?

Much of Namibia is free from malaria. Only the northern parts of Namibia, around Etosha, are classified as low risk malaria areas. Even then the concern is really only during the summer rainy months (from January to March). Most families visit Namibia during the northern hemisphere summer school holidays of June to August, which is the dry season in Namibia.

This article was written by Cedarberg Africa, a specialist tour operator for Southern Africa focusing on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and busy couples and families.

Feel free to contact us or head to our NAMIBIA pages for more insight including Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund Damaraland, Etosha, Central Highlands, Caprivi Strip, Luderitz and Southern Namibia.

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